Injuries to franchise player: James and Booker have both missed considerable action this season.

James sat out of 17 straight games with a groin injury and Los Angeles went 6-11 without the four-time NBA MVP.

Phoenix has only won three of the 15 games Booker has missed because of various injuries.

The Suns have also been without starter TJ Warren (right ankle sorenss) for 14 straight games.

Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) holds his hand up after a three-point field goal against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter in Phoenix January 6, 2019.(Photo: Michael Chow/The Republic)

Outside the playoff picture: The Lakers went into their game Friday at Milwaukee three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot behind the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs.

The absence of James has put them in this situation, but he’s great enough to lead them to back to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Phoenix has been out of playoff contention for months. The Suns started 2-11 and the losses have continued to mount.

Tyson Chandler: The veteran center began this season in Phoenix in the final year of his contract, and he was scheduled to earn $13.5 million.

Then, just days later, the Compton, Calif. native joined his hometown Lakers.

This move didn’t go over well with some Phoenix fans who though Suns interim general manager James Jones was doing his close friend, James, a favor by freeing Chandler, 36, up to join the Lakers.

Chandler actually had his best game this season as a Sun —14 points and 11 rebounds — against the Lakers back in October. He won his first game against the Suns when they came to Los Angeles for the first time.

After the game, Chandler spoke as if was a must-win situation for him.

“I got love for those guys,” he said. “I want to see them grow. I was happy we were able to take care of it because that would not have been a good loss.”

Luke Walton rested Chandler in their third meeting and the Lakers improved to 3-0 against the Suns.

Saturday might be the final time the Suns ever play against Chandler. If you factor in that the game is in Phoenix and the Suns are winless against the Lakers this season, it might feel like a must-win game for the home team.

Up next

Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m. (FSAZ)—This will the second of a back-to-back for both teams. Lakers reserve Tyson Chandler will make his return to Phoenix for the first itme since the Suns bought out contract.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.